Eating and drinking healthy on a Cruise

Vacationing on a cruise ship brings to mind a wide abundance of food.  All you can eat buffets around the clock or seven course dinners served in the luxury dining rooms are main attractions for some people when going on a cruise.  This is most probably why most cruisers come home a few pounds heavier.  When you ask people about their cruise, you will no doubt hear about the food – how wonderful it was. For most people, the unwanted pounds is the result.  For the diabetic, this is a more complicated because they have to count the calories, count the carbs, and what can I or should I eat now?  So many things to consider.   But you can eat healthier on a cruise with a little planning.

Most food is served buffet style and self-service so you yourself can choose what you want to eat. From breakfast to dinner; the rest of the day; and even throughout the night, food and drinks are served non-stop.  Typically the beverages choices during the day are tea, lemonade and water.  My recommendation is to bring aboard bottled water and then reuse the bottles at the water dispensers.  Most cruise lines have a market before you board, so that is the time to buy them.

Meanwhile, cruise liners also offer food selections in their dining rooms that cater to the needs of those with specific dietary needs.   Buffets typically include a salad bar, counters with fruits, cereal, soups, and non-fat dessert like yogurt. The key is to choose food that is healthy and low in calories, but allow yourself a few splurges. In the dining room, let your waiter know that you are a diabetic and he will try really hard to accommodate you.  A good waiter will remember this and he will look for ways for you to enjoy your dining while eating healthy choices.  You can splurge on that tempting dessert or sumptuous main course but make sure that you adjust your insulin for these treats.    

Here are a few tips:  * For breakfast, you can choose to eat eggs and meats, paired with a serving of fruit.  * During lunch, create a wonderful salad with yummy proteins. * And dinner, chicken and white meat is a good choice paired with a serving of vegetables and fruits.  Ask for a fruit plate instead of cake for a dessert.

Many diabetics burn a lot more calories on vacation and eating fruits is a great way to balance off potential low blood sugars.  Dehydration can be a concern because you are on the go the whole time.  Make sure you drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water.  If you are prone to dehydration, pack some electrolyte powders to mix in with water, such as Pedialyte or RecoverORS. 

It really is hard to resist endless treats on a cruise, but if you manage well and plan ahead, you don’t have to be deprived.  

Ready, Set, Go!

Preparing for your vacation with diabetes.

Traveling with diabetes can be a little overwhelming, but if you make adequate preparations and with proper planning, your trip can be a roaring success. No matter if you are going on a cruise or just camping out in the mountains, you have to take time to plan you trip with care if you have diabetes. Nothing is worse than being on vacation and having to stop everything to deal with any diabetes related complications.   

When you are planning a long trip, schedule a visit your endocrinologist ahead of time to discuss your plans and see if you need to make any adjustments before you leave, and you need to find out if you need any immunization shots for the area you will be visiting.

Ask your doctor for a letter that explains your case history in detail, and contains information such as the insulin shots, diabetes medications, list of syringes, and other devices that you need. Have the letter include any allergies and sensitivity towards particular foods and a current prescription for your insulin, oral medications anything else you require.   If you use pill packs, take the prescription list along with you.

Always wear a medical ID necklace or bracelet that states the fact that you have diabetes. Also try and learn to say the phrase “I have diabetes” and other words like “doctor” or “insulin” in the language of the country you are going to visit.  Most countries are very accommodating and speak some English. 

Pack twice the amount of medication and other blood testing supplies you may need for your trip.  Half of that amount should be in your carry-on bag that airlines allow you to carry with you, so that your medication is always on hand. Make sure that your medication includes all the insulin and syringes you will need, testing supplies with extra batteries, oral medicines, medications like glucagon, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrhea and anti-nausea drugs.   Remember TSA’s 3-1-1 rules, where each container cannot be larger than 3.4 ounces and are packed in a clear one-quart bag.   If you keep these in their own bag, it is considered a “Medical Carry-on” and does not count against your allowed carry-ons.  Don’t forget to carry your diabetes ID card, an air-tight, well wrapped snack pack of peanut butter, crackers, cheese, fruit and juice, and hard candy in case your blood sugar levels drop.

Be prepared for the TSA security process when traveling.   Certain medications and devices require specific security screenings and these can’t be avoided.   If you wear a pump, you will probably be required to have a pat-down procedure. Remember that no family member can assist you if you are selected for a pat down.  Don’t panic, just explain that you are wearing an insulin pump.   The pat-down will be performed by a TSA officer of the same gender and you can ask the agent to change gloves if it makes you more comfortable.  Additionally, if you feel uncomfortable with people watching this process, ask for privacy and they will move you aside.  During this process, you cannot hand your traveling companions any personal items.  It is important that you allow extra time to get through security.

If you plan ahead your vacation should go off without a hitch. 

Written by:  Mimi Snyder